A legal notice has been served seeking an explanation from the four children of late Nurjahan Begum over her death at a residence in Mirpur, Dhaka.
The notice was issued on Wednesday by Supreme Court lawyer Farzana Yasmin, who said the matter goes beyond a private family dispute and involves issues of elderly rights, family responsibility, social ethics and the rule of law.
Citing Articles 15, 27, 31 and 32 of the Constitution, the notice stated that ensuring the dignity and security of elderly citizens is a joint responsibility of the state and families. It also refers to the Maintenance of Parents Act, 2013, which places a legal obligation on children to provide care, support and maintenance for their parents.
The lawyer had sought a written explanation within seven days from the deceased’s four children — Dr AKM Anisur Rahman, joint secretary at Khulna Port; Professor Dr AKM Ashikur Rahman of BUET; Canada-based KM Atiur Rahman; and schoolteacher Fatima Nasrin Sultana.
The notice asked what arrangements were made for the deceased’s care, treatment and supervision; whether they maintained contact and fulfilled their responsibilities; whether they were aware of her prolonged isolation; and what documents support any claim of proper care. It also seeks their position on cooperating with an independent investigation.
It warned that if a satisfactory response is not received within the stipulated time, legal steps may be taken involving relevant authorities, including the National Human Rights Commission, the Ministry of Social Welfare, law enforcement agencies and the High Court, to ensure protection of elderly citizens’ rights.
The lawyer said that if a mother dies alone in neglect and her body remains unattended for a long period, it raises serious moral and social questions. She clarified that the notice is not intended to accuse or insult anyone, but to seek clarification and ensure accountability based on media reports.
She added that the matter is sensitive and underscores broader concerns over elderly care, stressing the need for a proper investigation and further legal action if negligence is found.